The EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner continues to demonstrate considerable promise as a non-surgical therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity. In clinical trials conducted to date, the results are similar to those seen with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, but without surgery.

According to a GI Dynamics press release dated November 11, 2009, patients who were implanted with the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner experienced a rapid improvement of glycemic control as well as a significant reduction in HbA1c glucose levels and a reduction in other key factors of diabetic status including fasting blood glucose levels and weight.

The pilot study, which was designed to evaluate the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, was conducted in 18 patients over a 24-week period. The single-blind, long-term study randomly selected 12 patients to receive the EndoBarrier and 6 patients to receive a sham endoscopy. Patients who participated in the pilot study were obese and living with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

The following results were achieved by patients who were treated with the EndoBarrier:

• Near normalization of glycemic control in just one week
• A mean reduction of 2.4% in HbA1c glucose levels at 24 weeks
• A 55-point reduction in fasting blood glucose levels at 24 weeks

Although the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner is still under investigation, the technology has the potential to dramatically change the treatment for people living with type 2 diabetes, obese people at risk for type 2 diabetes, and people with severe weight problems.

Physicians believe that the EndoBarrier Gastrointestinal Liner, which creates a barrier between food and the wall of the intestine, may alter the activation of hormonal signals that originate in the intestine. The effects mimic gastric bypass surgery, but the procedure is much less invasive.

The EndoBarrier is placed endoscopically (via the mouth), does not require incisions or alter the anatomy, and can be removed once treatment has achieved the desired results.

The results of the pilot study have been published in the current advance online issue of Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics. More information about the EndoBarrier Technology, including the current press release, can be found at gidynamics.com.

Source:
GI Dynamics Press Release 11-11-2009

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